40 METHOD OF CULTIVATION. 
condition for being broken up. It is drier, and not so 
liable to become baked and lumpy as in spring. 
3. It secures the powerful mechanical aid of the frost in 
producing thorough pulverization, and that light, open, 
aerated character of soil, which is so admirably adapted 
to the growth and nutrition of the young rootlets. The 
assistance thus rendered by the winter frosts is such as can 
not be gained by the use of any other mechanical means 
or expenditure of human labor. The constituents of the 
soil are thus rendered more active by the admission of air 
and water; they are more thoroughly distributed, and are 
more accessible to the roots. | 
4. In sward land it is doubly necessary in promoting 
rapid decomposition of the sod, and in destroying noxious 
insects. The double Michigan plow is a most effective 
implement in burying the sod deeply and covering it with 
@ smooth surface of mellowed soil, but the subsequent 
“ridging” for planting instead of being deferred until 
spring, in this case perhaps had better be done imme- 
diately after plowing. The ridges will be sufficiently ele- 
vated if formed by a light corn plow from the loose over- 
lying stratum of soil left by the double Michigan, inasmuch 
as efficient drainage will be secured through the half-in- 
verted sod beneath; also the disintegrating action of the 
frost will be much increased. 
